Queen’s award for charity tackling homelessness and poverty

The charity which tackles homelessness and poverty in Dacorum has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

DENS, which stands for Dacroum Emergency Night Shelter, celebrated the award at a special party which also doubled up as a send-off for chief executive Andrew Liversidge.

He is leaving the charity after 12 years of service and will be replaced by Wendy Lewington who will take up the post in September.

Mr Liversidge said: “‘To be in receipt of the QAVS is a tremendous achievement for DENS.

“And our volunteers should feel immensely proud of the recognition which this award represents.

“I wish to say a very sincere thank you to all our past, present and future volunteers.”

The party was attended by more than 140 volunteers, staff, supporters, and civic guests including vice lord-lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Richard Beazley, acting as the Queen’s representative.

Mayor of Dacorum Robert McLean, MP for Hemel Hempstead Mike Penning, leader of Dacorum Borough Council Andrew Williams, and cice chairman of Herts County Council Roger Beeching, also enjoyed the do.

The crystal trophy was presented to long-standing DENS volunteer coordinator Sandra Wiliams, who stepped down from the role earlier this year.

Chair of trustees, Malcolm Lindo said: “My hope is that it inspires many more people from the local community to come forward to help us in tackling the growing problems of homelessness and poverty within our area.